dedicated
Story By Susan O'Connor, Photography by Dero Sanford
The Jonesboro chapter of Habitat for Humanity will have a new headquarters this fall, thanks to Crowley’s Ridge Development Council (CRDC) and the sweat and expertise of volunteers.
“In 2008, Habitat National told us we must have an office to work out of,” said MG Meyering, owner of Interiors By Design and a Habitat volunteer. “Our new office will be located at 520 West Monroe Avenue in historic downtown Jonesboro. This 120-year-old Victorian will house our offices where we will have our volunteer orientations, board meetings, family training seminars and quarterly potluck dinners for Habitat families. This new facility is a dream come true for us and will finally give us a physical presence we’ve needed for so long in Jonesboro.”
Meyering, the owner of Interiors By Design, helps to oversee the construction process of all Habitat properties, as well as the interior design. Meyering said Jonesboro volunteers have built 13 houses and are now working on number 14.
Meyering uses his experience in design to help Habitat families have some choices in housing design, and at the same time keep the houses affordable to build.
“We have Habitat approved floor plans that we use, but we can somewhat alter those plans to fit each individual family’s needs. In my interior design business, I am constantly changing hats. I might be showing an oriental rug in the morning and then crawling up into an attic with an electrician in the afternoon, so working with Habitat really is just an extension of my workday. It can get really crazy sometimes, but when you see that look of excitement in the Habitat family’s faces, well, there just are no words for that.”
Habitat recipients go through an application process, Meyering said, and one of the qualifications is the ability of the prospect to put in “sweat equity” hours, which may include helping to build their own house, another Habitat house, help with fundraisers, or other needs.
And volunteers (at least age 18) are always needed. To volunteer call 933-1660 and leave a message including name, telephone number and area of interest in volunteering.
Who in your life has inspired you to give back? I grew up watching my parents always giving back their resources and time whether it was to the community or church. To me, Habitat was a natural fit because at the end of the day I can feel like I have made a small difference in this world and in the life of someone else.
What has been most satisfying about your work with Habitat? The ability to use the talents I have to maximize the lives of others. You don’t have to be talented to work for Habitat, you just have to be willing. Habitat is the type of organization that takes people from all walks of life and brings them together to impact the community and allows a family or individual a part of the American dream — to own their own home.
How long does each Habitat building project typically take from start to finish? Typically 8-10 months.
If you could design the home of any famous person, who would it be and why? Why the nation’s executive mansion, of course. I can’t think of a more exciting project to work on than the most historical and beautiful home, the White House.
Of the many home remodeling/decorating shows on television, which one do you enjoy most? I’d have to say Devine Design with Candice Olsen. She thinks just like I do. She has the same sense of humor. Or maybe Designing Women because I watch that every day and think, “Good gosh, this really is my life.”